His spirit had left his aged body, finally at peace after years of disability, questioning and scrutiny. Gavinrad Kenaado was dead. Burned upon a bed of twigs and leaves, wrapped in a ceremonial robe of a champion, sword laid atop his torso. The flames licked the air, smoke and ash entertwining in the skies above the young boy sitting closest to the warm flames.

Dinu was a young man, athletic in his build, yet flexible in his demeanour. His black hair was long and unkempt, with small ties dangling from the ends. Dinu watched as his teacher burned, his best friend melt, and father be incinerated, and felt the tears flow down his dirt-covered face.

'I'll keep your memory strong, Gavinrad,' Dinu whispered, now the last person watching the hero burn. Slowly, he rose to his feet, and threw a rose onto the burning man, then turned and walked towards the tavern.

People looked at him from the windows of their homes, sadness and sympathy etched on their faces. How could they possibly begin to understand his pain? No one gave the old man the time of day except the young man walking along the cobblestone path. Dinu saw the tavern, and a young woman was leaning against the wall outside the door.

“Ah finally a hot meal,” Mino-wa exclaimed to her long time traveling companion while tossing him a biscuit. Grave made an appreciative noise as he finished off his snack. Grave and Mino-wa have traveled together ever since she found him as a pup. Feeling kinship to the pup because, just like her, he was alone in the world. Now it was six years later and they were on their way to the biggest payday they of their lives. Sitting in moderately clean tavern with a full belly Mino-wa contemplated her next step in finding the Dragon’s lair.

Dinu walked past the girl. She had pointed ears, but not as long as an elf, with violet eyes and a dog beside her. She was beautiful, but Dinu had no time to "sightsee".'Good morning,' Dinu said to her, his voice breaking as he walked in, wiping the tears from his eyes. He pushed the door open, and walked into the musty inn, filled with smoke and the scent of hops from mugs of beer.

'You a'ight?' Tom asked him from behind the bar'Fine,' Dinu said, sitting on the stool, 'just trying to find someone who'll help me''Do wha'?''Kill Olduiin,' Duni said simply, smiling at the shocked expression on Tom's face

Mino-wa slightly stiffened when the disgruntled man say Good morning to her. She always made it a point to remain invisible but the warm food had made her relax. She didn’t say anything but her eyes followed him to the bar stool that he perched on. She was about to make her exit when she heard him tell the barkeep that he was looking to find someone to help kill the Dragon she was looking for.

“Excuse me but did I hear you say you were looking for someone to help you kill Olduiin? She asked while she sized him up. He didn’t look half bad. For a human.

Dinu's bloodshot eyes met the woman's violet, and he nodded as Tom placed a tan bottle in front of Dinu. Dinu quickly grasped it, took a swig of the sweet tasting sarsaparilla bubbling in the bottle, and sighed in relief.'Yes, I plan to kill Olduiin, as a gift to my fallen teacher. You might have heard of Gavinrad Kenaado?'Dinu took another drink, and continued.'I want to kill Olduiin, but I'm willing to let anyone who helps me take his treasure'

Ha what a joke! Mino-wa thought to herself as she looked into his blood shot eyes. Did this punny human really think he could take on a Dragon as great as Olduiin? And what was that about letting her ‘Take his treasure.’ He would be lucky to leave here with his coin purse. Ha like he could let her do anything. Humans so disgusting but if he knows where the lair is he could be of some use yet. “And where do you suppose we find this Olduiin? She asked him while she sat herself next to him at the bar but not before she smoothed her hair down over her ears.

Dinu could see the malice in her eyes, and hate that burned in her heart. He knew what she was thinking, even if he couldn't hear it. Olduiin would win.'Fine, we'll walk to the human kingdom of Faust,' Dinu started, drawing on the bar, 'then take a cart to the crusader city of Pegg. Then go to Cassiel, and gain supplies at the elven capital of Fortunae, hopefully gain a few allies. Avoid the underground entrance to the dark elven prison of Jiresh, then move though the burning land of Enfernos until we reach Ivory mountain. Climbing there, we'll face Olduiin and kill him, you'll get his treasure, I'll rip his teeth out, and we'll come back here for a well-earned alcoholic drink'Dinu took a large breath, and waited for her to respond

Could she trust this human? He could be lying about this whole thing just so he could get her out to the middle of nowhere and go all crazy on her. If, and that was a big IF, he really knew where the lair was it would save her a whole lot of time and coin. The question is, is she willing to risk it?How do I know you're telling the truth?” She asked him while studying his face for any trace of a lie.

Dinu looked into her eyes, his chocolate brown orbs full of sadness.'Look at this,' he muttered, and pulled his sword out, placing it on the bar. On the blade was a message, from Gavinrad to Dinu on his 18th birthday.Truth, love and sacrifice guide youe hand'I don't lie. I am Dinu Faransai, student of Gavinrad Kenaado. I will kill Olduiin, even if I die fighting him'

“Well,” She sighed looking him over one more time. “I guess this makes us partners,” Mino-wa said knowing full well that this was a bad ideal. In his defense he really did look too pathetic to double cross her but she more than most knows that looks can be deceiving. Slapping the money for her meal down on the bar, she walked out with Grave at her heels.

Dinu nodded at Tom, who smiled his toothless grin.'Good luck, Dinu,' he said, and raised the glass he was washing in respect.

Dinu walked outside, and smiled.'So, what can you do, may I ask? And what is your name?'Dinu sheathed his sword, and breathed in quietly. He knew siding with a elf was a bad idea, but he also knew that if he needed anyone to get through elven lands, it was her. But he couldn't help but think there was something... different about her.

Sighing to herself she answered somewhat curtly, “I’m silent, something you obviously lack.” Giving him a pointed look she continued, “My name is Mino-wa but in an effort not to stress your mind you may call me Mino.” “This,” She said gesturing to her dog, “is Grave. Don’t pet him.” Untying her horse from its post she mounted it and said “Any more question?” Her tone was not inviting.

Dinu smiled at her hostile approach, almost reminding him of his own sister, Rose. He caught himself glancing down at his feet, then staring at the sky.'Grave is a nice name. But so is Fyre'With that, Dinu let out a shrill whistle that rang through the sky with ear-splitting shrillness. Dinu smiled.

Oh gods he has a dog. "You behave," She told Grave. Grave like herself is not know for his friendliness. "If I have to break up a fight," She let the sentence trail off know full well he knew what she meant. Grave acted as if she hand not spoken and waited quietly for the new addition to their group.

The sky above them darkened as a shadow loomed over the two adventurers. Dinu looked up, and saw his friend arrive.A proud beast landed, talons scratching the dirt as she landed. Blood red feathers with tan patterns swirling around her crest. Easily, the large bird stood a good 3 metres tall, with stunning amber eyes and a shocking yellow beak. She bowed her head, and Dinu lovingly patted her.'This is Fyre,' he said, smiing at her, 'behave'

“What in the seven hells is that,” She asked visibly paler as she tried to calm her horse. Even Grave took a few steps back when the bird landed but trying to save face he began a low warning growl. Maybe there is more to this human than she originally thought.

Dinu grinned, aware that he had made his new companion pale at the sight of Fyre.'This is my dearest friend, now. Her name is Fyre, and she is a cliff bird, one of the most dangerous beasts in this land. Irkallan cliff birds are rarely friendly, but... they like me. Especially Fyre'Fyre screeched in agreement, and allowed Dinu to pat her once again, before he turned to Mino-wa.'Would you like to ask around for more allies? Or continue to Faust? I'm afraid your horse cannot join us on Fyre's back'

Ha did he really think that she would ride that beast. “I should think not,” she said eyeing the bird. “My horse and I will be strictly staying on the land and on ship if we must.” Grave barked his agreement never talking his eyes off the dangerous predator. “I’m sure there will be more willing to join our quest in Faust so let us be off.”

Dinu grabbed Mino's wrist, earning him a bark from Grave. He stared into her eyes.'Ships are not a good idea. Not with the dwarves invading Irkalla. We need to use Fyre, or you'll die before reaching Faust'Dinu hoped she'd reconsider, so he decided to sweeten the deal.'Fyre can carry your horse, but it will have to be in a cage'

How dare he touch me! She thought indignantly as she tried to pull her wrist out of his grasp with no avail. She knew eye must be glowing with her rage but she didn’t care as long as his hands were on her she was determined to be angry. She chalked the flutter of her heart up to the fact that if she weren’t on her horse she would have stabbed him with her hidden dagger. “The dwarves have never had a problem with my kind,” Which she knew was an exaggeration but she would say anything to get out of riding that bird.

'The dwarves left Cassiel a long time ago, Mino-wa. They have no allies, and won't give you a special offer while you're here. It's either Fyre, or you're not coming'Dinu said this with such fire that his eyes radiated power. He wasn't going to argue anymore. He let go of her slender wrist, and climbed onto Fyre's back.'I'm not waiting, so hurry up and make a choice'

DAMN HIM!! She screamed in her head. I should just forget about this silly man and his silly bird and find that lair by myself! She was about to snap the reins and leave when a thought popped into her head. Am I really that scared to ride a stupid bird? How could this human do something that she could not? She knew that by the grip on her wrist he was likely to be stronger than her but to be out willed by him was something she could not fathom.

“All right but where will Grave sit,” She asked him as she gutted out her chin in defiance.

Dinu thought about this, then looked down at Mino-wa seriously.'There's enough space up here for seven of us. Tie him down, Fyre will hold the ropes'Fyre made a sound that sounded like a laugh. Dinu tapped Fyre's skull, and she stopped.'I said behave,' Dinu whispered

Of heaven have mercy. This was not going to end well. Mino-wa sold her horse to the tavern owner for an extraordinary low price. After a half an hour of begging and pleading along with bites and scratch marks, Mino-wa got Grave on Fyre. Now that it was her turn her courage along with her anger began to fade being replaced by mind numbing fear.

Diu had narrowly dodged Grave's flailing, but Mino was not so lucky. He felt sorry as he saw the tiny trickles of blood on her scratches.'Luckily, we won't be flying for long. Faust is about a forty minute flight'Dinu was about to tell Fyre to take to the skies, then stopped himself, and turned to the elf behind him.'We'll be moving through the sky at a very faast pace. You may want to hold on to something a little less easy to pull out'He had mainly said this because of a memory. He shook it out of his mind, and smiled.

She didn’t know if concern was a ploy or genuine and at quite frankly it really didn’t matter to her right at that moment. She held on to him as if he were the only thing standing between her and death. She glued her eyes shut and tried to prepare her self for the journey.

Dinu's heart fluttered when she grabbed him from behind. It wasn't EXACTLY what he meant, but the young human would not be complaining. With a small movement, Dinu ordered Fyre to take off. With a powerful push from her wings, Fyre launched herself and her passengers off the ground, and began the short, and safe, journey to the human capital of Faust.It could be seen in the distance, stone walls bordering the inner sector. But the main thing that could be noticed with Fortrend Castle, home of the Queen of humanity. Dinu had never been to Faust, but he knew they weren't fans of Gavinrad's adventure.

'If you'd like, the view is terrific,' Dinu said, trying to lighten the mood. Fyre cawed in agreeance, and Dinu laughed, his hair whipping his face

Ok breath just breath she kept saying to herself as she felt the bird take off. When the man, who she never asked for a name, suggest looking at the view she could help but take a peek. It was beautiful but she only got a moment to enjoy it before she suddenly felt like she was falling causing to clutch the man even tighter pressing her full body against his back.

Dinu resisted the temptation to laugh as he felt Mino clutch tighter. His heart pounded in his chest. Why wouldn't it, Mino was quite pretty. And here he was, taking her on a ride through the skies. Despite terrifying her, he couldn't help but understand the romantic threads present.Fyre cawed once again, as she flew low over the forest, her talons dragging at the leaves atop the trees. Then, Dinu heard a small slash, and patted Fyre.'Not now, girl, put it down' Fyre obliged, but wasn't happy

Oh gods this is how she’s going to die. Clutching the back of a suicidal human like a little babe clutches its mother. I should have never entered that tavern she thought as tears welled up in her eyes.

Dinu felt liquid on his back, and realised it was where Mino's face was. He looked ahead, and saw Faust was still at least a fifty minute walk away, but made the desicion to spare her the hit to her dignity.'Fyre, down,' Dinu shouted, and Fyre obliged, lowering towards the ground. Dinu held onto Fyre's neck, and smiled to himself.'Good girl,' he said, then thought to himself, I thought elves were a little braver

Stopping before you wet yourself, Dinu thought, but thought about his response before answering, 'we've stopped because I realised if we get near Faust with a cliff bird, they'll try and kill us. It's better if we walk from here, just to avoid the arrows'Dinu made to get off the bird, but Mino was holding him too tightly.'Mino-wa, you need to let me go, or we'll get nowhere'Fyre laughed again, and Dinu smacked her on the top of her head, shutting her up. Fyre shook the pain away, and lied down on the ground, waiting for the two people and the dog to get off her back.

She could feel the eyes boring into her back as she neared the limits of her forest village. She had never really been well liked in the first place but that always suited her just fine. The average elf had no use for her, nor her for them. She had learned from a young age that she was all she would ever need and that relying on others only lead to disappointment.

"To the hells with them." she muttered to herself as she made her way through the various trails that would lead her out of the forest and towards her destination. A human settlement called Fienster, it also was home to quite a few undersided brigands of which she would possibly have to coax into giving her information. "They want me to say a bloody dragon..." she muttered to the empty air, her footfalls making not a sound or leaving a trace of her passing as she walked the leaf strewn paths both alert and yet self reflective. She knew just what this was about. She had made a pass at one of the Elders' daughters and lashed out when she had been mocked by the young woman and ridiculed for her tastes. Though it was half a century ago, elves rarely forgot anything and their politics were slow and brutal. Something and elf said to you today could very well be just one part of a plan spanning centuries.

Her mind began to wander over the political nature of her race and she couldn't help but notice serious contrasts. Some of her people acted so much like human's when it came to politics. Quick to get a hand on the situation and seize what control and power they could, where as the average elf did things extremely slowly.

She quickly forced herself to push the thoughts aside and focus on the task at hand. So she was being punished. So what? So they knew it was pretty much a death sentence. Who cared? Its not like they could make her go fight the behemoth of a beast. She could always say that there were reports that the item she was after, the artifact of Illia, wasn't one taken by the beast in the first place. That it was taken by bandits or any number of other conceivable tales. Telling stories was one of her specialties. She had an innate talent for coaxing people from difficult positions but there were limits to this talent.

Shaking her head she sighed wearily as she reached the edge of the forest and set her eyes on the gray low walled city of Fienster. It really wasnt much to look at. Nothing but a few buildings and houses lining two intersecting main roads and a few smaller avenues branching off from that. It wasn't even well defended and the wall could be hopped by an elven child on a dare. Then there was the ugly grey stone color and the smells wafting up the hill from the small town.

Sighing to herself and eying a plume of smoke rising from the main building, the Conclave of Chiefs, she picked a weary path down the slope and headed towards the city.

Oh how mortally embarrassing. Letting go as quickly as her stiff arms could move she clambered off the bird with about as grace as, well, a human. Oh thank the Gods for land at last. Turning her back to the human and the devil bird she wiped the tear streaks from her face and asked “What is your name?”

Mino leapt off quickly, almost glad for her feet on solid land and forgettingg all about her dog. Dinu loosened the knots on the ropes, and Grave jumped towards his friend, then growled at Fyre. Fyre ignored him. Thank goodness, Dinu thought.'I already told you, my name is Dinu,' Dinu said as he slid down the silk-like feathers of the cliff bird. He walked over to Mino, and put his hand on her shoulder when he saw she was wiping her eyes.'Hey, it's ok, Mino-wa, Fyre takes some getting used to, but we don't have to fly now we're in Mrtyu. We just needed to avoid the dwarves'Without warning, Fyre took off, and caweed her farewell to Dinu. Dinu waved with his free hand, and continued trying to comfort Mino.'Next time, you can pick the travel arrangements,' he said with a nudge

Now that she was on solid ground she started feeling like herself again so when that insipid human started to touch her, her rage can at full force. “I. Will. Never. Ride. That. THING. Ever. Again!” Mino-wa told him making sure to punctuated every word so that his tiny human brain could comprehend. “Oh and touch me again,” she told him making sure he got the full force of her glare, “And I’ll kill you.” Turning on her heels she started walking.

Mino practically shouted in Dinu's face as Fyre soared away, and Dinu couldn't help but smile at her attempt to regain her composure. Then she threatened him, and Dinu scoffed, unable to hold himself back.'I trained with Gavinrad Kenaado himself. The only man, of any race, to survive an assault from Olduiin. I think you'll find I'm more of a challenge then you give me credit for'Dinu's hand slid down to the blade sheathed at his side. He knew it was a risk to enrage an elf with anger management issues, but he couldn't help himself. He was practically dying for a reason to hit this woman in the face, as bad as it sounded. She showed no respect for him, or Gavinrad. So Dinu would teach her.'Unless you are too... cowardly... to prove you're better then me'

Walking the cobbled streets she grinned as a she caught a few people staring. She wasn't particularly vain but it did feel nice to be noticed every once in a while. Drawing down on the main building she looked it over. A simple structure with a little ornate set of steps and entrance arch. Large solid wooden doors banned with iron stood before her as she mounted the steps. Without waiting she entered and looked around. The Inside of the building was two rooms. The main room, and a smaller room tucked behind it for private meetings. The main room was circular and hosted twelve ornate chairs atop a black marble floor with a thirteenth chair being set straight before the door against the other side of the room and upon a raised dais. This was where the current leader of Fienster would sit unless they deemed otherwise.

A soft grin stretching her lips as she took note of the man sitting on the chair she nodded to him. "Hello Borgen." she said in a casual tone. Borgen was the current ruler of Fienster and one of the few people Ellifain found to her liking. She had gotten acquainted with the man over an incident that involved her breaking his son's arm for his sense of spirit.

She saw the man flash a warm grin before Leaning back in his chair. "Goddess greetings Ellifain." he said in his deep rich voice. She noted the man's long dark hair had been recently upkept and his beard neatly trimmed. His green eyes flashing mirthfully at her as he awaited her expected response.

Placing her heels together she gave him a tight bow, grinning the entire time then promptly looked at him and asked "So. How's your son's arm?" The man's grin soon matched her own as he tried to keep himself from laughing. It was a subject that filled him with endless humor.

The man's son, Dorin was easily seven feet tall and thickly corded with muscle. His forearm alone was probably as big as his fathers head and he was an impressive figure to behold. However, one night deep in his ale, he made several aggressive passes at Ellifain. After trying tactfully to rebuff the man while keeping his pride upheld, she soon found out that he was to far into a stupor to understand anything but direct tactics. After pointedly telling him that he was both to young for her and not to her suiting, he proceeded to grab her waist. At which point she'd had enough.

With the speed well known of her people, she latched on to his right forearm in an under-wristed hold. With all the self restraint she could muster she then curled her right fist and left her index knuckle protruding and pressed it forcefully into the man's arm only releasing when she heard it snap.

"He has learned that some flowers carry thorns." the man said laughing and shaking his head. However soon his face fell somber and he said "Someone has preceded you here." Nodding to an area just behind the large open doors to her left he looked back at her and she suddenly dropped her hand to her waist where she kept a well honed dagger.

Stepping from behind the door was a woman she knew well. Her long silver hair and matching eyes ones that Ellifain wouldn't forget.

Suddenly Minow-wa rage turned burning hot to frost biting cold. The cold helped calm her and center her thoughts. “You think I would challenge some one with superior strength to a duel? Even if you weren’t trained your weight a lone would have me out matched.” She told him all this with an eerie calm. “But what I can do is run and hid. Waiting until you think you’re warm and safe in your bed,” She said this as she covered the distance between them. “You’ll be dream your happy dim witted dreams,” She put her hands on his chest and slowly brought them up to his shoulders. “And do you know where I’ll be?” She asked as she brought her lips up to his ear and pressing her body against him she said, “I’ll be slitting your throat.” To emphasize her point she drew her finger slowly across his throat enjoying the feeling of his nervous swallow.

Superior in strength? Dinu knew this was not the case. Elves were known for their battle prowess, as well as their allure. If anyone could beat Dinu in his first real fight, it would be her. But as she spoke, Dinu found his mind drifting away as she covered the distance. He felt her hands on his chest, and his damnable heart started pounding once again. Damn his body, thinking for itself.Her hands slid up to his shoulders, and her lips hovered barely an inch from his ear. Then she whispered a contrasting threat, and emphasised the point by running a finger along his throat, causing him to swallow his mouthful of air.Dinu couldn't let her have the last word, though. His stubborn human pride had kicked in, and he waited until she started moving back before wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close again.'You know, you talk like you hate everything in the world. Whatever made you feel like this isn't me. To get to Olduiin, we need to work together, Mino-wa. If we don't, we won't even get past Faust'He released her, then stepped back, leaning on a redwood tree.'So, are we going to try and work together? Or are we going to fight the whole way there?'

Mino-wa’s super cool icy state was being to ware off. Giving him a disparaging look she said, “As long as you keep your hands and that damnable flying death trap away from me, we can be the best of friends.” Giving him her best innocent eyes, which were closer to sinister than anything else, she turned and started walking.

Kuval made his way down the beaten path toward Faust, his hood over his long hair. His staff, made of enchanted wood that just barely taller then he was, stripped and rubbed smooth with the claw of a dragon on top clutching a smooth piece of cut onyx, was in one hand. The tome carrying his master's spells was in the other under his cloak. He looked weary, having traveled the last week just to get here. He heard a rumor that companions could be found here. People crazy enough, like himself, to go after the great dragon that took his master from him. He cracked his neck and headed toward the city that was now visible on the horizon.

Dinu smiled one last time as she walked away, her dog hot on her heels. She was elven, that much was certain, but there was something... more about her. Almost as if... It hit Dinu in the face as he ran to catch up to her, so they could begin their long trek to Faust.'You're half human,' Dinu said matter-of-factly. He knew it was true. Her ears were smaller, her beauty was less unnatural and her anger was more human then anything.'Hit me if you want, but I won't tell anyone. I only have and want one enemy. And it seems to me he's our primary concern.

The woman looked at Ellifain with a superior satisfaction. "Greetings Ellifain." The elven maiden spoke in a tone laced with that same satisfaction. "I'm glad you made it this far. The woods weren't to taxing on you, were they?" Her tone almost holding what sounded like genuine concern, but Ellifain wasn't fooled for a moment. She knew it had been Ilona that had put her in this situation and used her fathers position as an Elder to do it.

"Oh it was no big deal." Ellifain said, quickly regaining her composure. She would die long before she gave this harpy the satisfaction of besting her in anything. "I am surprised though. It isn't often our people let a lylthing wander outside the forest unaccompanied." she said in a friendly tone using the word for child in the elvish language. "Tell me, is everything well back home? I would think the council would be extremely busy if they over looked sending an escort with someone of your standings." Her following smile sweet and laced with honey, she watched as the barb sank in and Ilona struggled to control her own emotions at being called both a spoiled brat of a child and someone needlessly tucked in a corner while the adults talked.

"Tell me." Ellifain continued, unable to stand the woman's presence any longer. "What has brought you so far from home?"

Ilona's eyes pooled over as she regained her miniscule self control and she seemed to stretch up to her full hieght. With an air of self importance she said "The council has decided that you should start your search in Faust and arranged for you to have an audience with the queen herself."

Tilting her head slightly in acknowledgement she made to move past Ilona only to have the woman take a half step into her path. In an overblown tone she said "I hope your journey is a safe one." before adding in a hushed voice "The roads are so dangerous these days. There is no telling what would happen to a woman who doesn't take care."

Her right shoulder hiding her next action from the view of the man behind her, she drew her dagger and placed it tightly against the woman's throat and gripped her tunic to keep her from stepping back. "Perhaps i should show you." she spoke, in a tone of finality.Using her grip on the woman's tunic to pull her closer, she pressed slightly on the blade forcing the woman to turn her back to her. Her left hand slipping around the woman's waist just after releasing her tunic she smiled once more and spoke in a voice too low for human ears to hear.

"I could slit your throat right here and now and convince everyone in town that you gave me little choice in the matter." A purposely heavy laugh pealed past her lips as she brought them close to the clearly frightened woman's ear. "Or i could do much much worse. I wonder, what would your skin feel like against mine?"

She felt the woman tense and swallow hard. She also felt the shiver that ran through her barely suppressed. Having accomplished what she wanted, she shoved the woman forward then made her way outside, her ears picking up the faintest sounds of laughter from Borgen as she left.

It was a fortnight to Faust but that wouldn't stop her from getting there by tomorrow morning at the latest. Nodding she set out to make good on that goal and missing it only by a scant few hours as she arrived just outside the city walls, taking in the neighboring farm lands as she waited for the gate to open for the day.

Mino-wa glared at him as if trying to kill him with just her eyes. “Was there a point to you stating the obvious? Or do you just like to hear yourself talk?” She asked as she picked up the pace deciding that the sooner they get to Faust the sooner he could find nice humans to talk to and leave her alone. This was amounting to be the longest trip of her life and they hadn’t been traveling for more then a day.

Dinu smiled, and took in his surroundings. Beautiful trees with rustling leaves and wildlife, rabbit dens with foxes trying to dig down into their sanctuary. The waves of green on either side of the dirt road were almost too much for Dinu. He'd never been this far out, and it brought a tear to his eye. Was this how Gavinrad felt when he left his hometown? What did other countries look like? Was Mrtyu unique, or identical? Too many questions with not enough time to answer. But he did have someone to talk to.'Can we start again?' Dinu said quietly, trying to repair his relationship with his only ally, 'Please?'

Mino-wa sighed inwardly; of course the one human who happens to know where the Dragons lair is has to be chatty do goodder on a mission to save humanity and apparently my soul. I say let them both die but that would be too easy for the guy upstairs (the gods) to let slide. Maybe if I just answer his questions now the rest of the journey will be quite. As she was contemplating this conundrum she saw smoke rising in the sky. “What do you suppose that is?” She asked her ever talkative companion.

Dinu saw the smoke too, almost just as Mino questioned it. Without thinking, Dinu unsheathed his sword and ran towards it. It was too big for a campfire, but too small for a village attack. Maybe some hermit's home had caught fire?'Come on, Mino-wa' Dinu yelled over his shoulder, 'it might be bad'

Sighing again but this time out loud, Mino-wa bent down to Grave and told him, “It’s just like a human to run right into trouble isn’t it boy?” Grave gave a bark of acknowledgement. “You know what to do boy,” at Mino-wa’s command Grave went running towards the direction of the smoke. “You see,” She said as she caught up to Dinu, “living out in the streets has given Grave and I a sense of self preservation, another thing you obviously lack.” “We don’t just charge into dangerous situations eyes closed and fists flying,” giving his clenched fists a pointed look. “Grave and I have a system.” Feeling a proud smile reach her lips she quickly continued her explanation. “Grave goes in first to see if there is any sign of life,” this was their preferred method for braking into people’s homes but he really didn’t need to know that. “When he comes back I will say ‘Well’ and he will respond with one bark meaning life but friendly, two barks meaning life and hostile, and nothing meaning all clear.” She looked at him hoping he wouldn’t ask any question. “Now we wait.”

Dinu watched the dog run forward, and sighed.'I used to do that with Fyre until she got attacked by an archer. An elf, I might add'Dinu added this last part with much malice and venom, remembering how a young cliff bird with an arrow wound was the most heartbreaking thing he had ever seen. He didn't hate elves, but Mino-wa's attitude towards him was making him almost regret letting her come along. He needed someone he could trust, and she wasn't it.'It's clear you can operate without me, then,' Dinu decided, and turned back to the path, 'I'm going to be in Faust for a day. I need supplies for the journey, and...' Dinu stopped, before he said something he'd regret, 'you can follow me if you want'Dinu started to walk back to the path, sheathing his sword. He no longer wanted to make sure the people at the smoke were ok. He was sure Mino-wa could handle it without his human pride blocking her way.

Oh for the love of Gods. Mino-wa grabs Dinu by the arm, “look I’ve been on my own for a very long time and I’m not good at communicating with people.” She looked into his painfully earnest eyes and dreaded saying the next part. “I’m… I am… I… well… you see… I’m sorry.” She looked away and let go of his arm. “Maybe we could start over?”

Her existence consisted of three things at that current moment. The overwhelming and heavily fortified wall lined with archer slots and rising battlements. The stone, granite she assumed, was long dulled with age and seemed to encircle the city instead of boxing it in as seemed to be the standard human custom. Odd creatures, she thought to herself briefly. Such a fascination with squares and rectangles.

Her mind drifted back outward once more and she took note of the second thing. The vast rolling landscapes and hills, the sheep and various cattle herded closer to the castle walls where there was plenty of open grass to feed from, The thatch roofed farms and scent of freshly plowed and turned soil, and the occasional call from one farmer to another. Then there was the fresh mud beneath her feet which bothered her not a bit as the land washed over her.

Then she heard a voice and turned, quite surprised upon seeing a human. Her eyebrows rose at being taken so unawares by something she should have easily heard coming. Noting the staff and demeanor of the young man she nodded to herself mentally. He was most likely a wizard. She didn't peg this one for the holy man routine.

Resting her wrists on the hilts of the twin longswords that hung at her sides, she nodded her acknowledgement to the man before answering his question. "No traveler. I'm from several leagues away from here. The forests near the town you call Fienster house my home."

Letting the moment lapse in silence she simply observed the man unobtrusively. It was a common habit of elves to watch people they had just met or were in company with. It often lead to small insights that helped much later down the road. Reaching up to her right shoulder she froze, the reflexive gesture reminding her that she hadn't had time to bring her bow with her. Her one true companion that she had named Thelysis long ago.

Forcing her hand back down to her side, she stood, the human seeming unnoticing of the action or merely displaying enough courtesy not to comment on it. After a few moments more, she heard the gate begin to creak open behind her.

Kuval did indeed notice the gesture. Wizards have this habit of taking in everything in front of them. The better to know what to cast. Pushing back his hood to reveal his features, he smiles easily and bows.

"Hello, my name is Kuval Misu. I am...also not from around here." He looks at the gate opening before returning his gaze to the elf. "If I am allowed, what is your name? And what brings you to Faust?"

Wizards were a lot to be wary around reguardless of their race, but they could also be some of the most useful. Tilting her head as she pondered the man and just how much to tell him, she stood there for several moments. Finally speaking she said "My name is Ellifain and I was sent to retrieve an ageless and extremely powerful artifact from a rather honry dragon."

Watching the man's reaction for signs of anything from recognition to purpose, she let her words sink in before continuing. "I was ordered here for an audience with the queen in hopes that she may either be able to provide aid, insight, or some trinket of knowledge that might just keep my beloved skin firmly attached to its muscles."

The truth was, the artifact of Ilia had devastating abilities that hadn't been seen since the Hyperion Age. And reguardless of her disposition, she would much rather leave it in the hands of a dragon bent on mayhem than in a roving hand of bandits which might luck up and activate the accursed item. Dragon's tended to pride themselves in their own power not the power of trinkets, as far as she knew atleast.

All this passed through the woman's mind in rapid fashion, part of her mental discipline under the tutelage of her people. Thus she was left with several moments to consider the man she shared the road with. His expression seemed warm enough, however she wasn't sure of his intentions in the least.

"So, friend." she stared. "That is my tale. May i ask after your own?"

Kuval nods when she mentions the dragon, his face darkening a bit. He moves forward, his hair swaying from side to side as he did, to come stand next to Ellifain as he looked upon the city.

"I came here looking for companions. I'm after the very same dragon. The dragon killed my master and has been a terror to the world for too long. I aim to find a strong group to help me take him down once and for all." He shakes his head. "I wish my master was here. He'd know exactly who to find...but I am new to the questing bit of wizardry."

With a sidelong glance at Kuval she turns her gaze towards the sprawling city opening up before her. As she drank in the city she made a note of various details. The low cut of the front buildings and how their height rose the further back the buildings were and how it would give an archer on each rooftop a clear shot over the archers below him on other rooftops, the barrels of what she could only assume was pitch or lantern oil for burning the roads in case of breaches that adorned each roof. The blocked pattern of the city layout then the heavy fortifications of the inner walls clearly visible from her current position. The hard stone streets and the signless shops also caught her attention but most of all was the lack of color save for the garments being worn by those moving amongst the streets at such an early hour. Over all the outer city seemed very militaristic and she noted several troops of armed soldiers making their way across various roads or battlements on the inner wall.

Another thing she took into note was the fact that the roads never directly led to the inner gate, which is just what she set out for at that moment. Without looking back at the young man she said "You should probably know that sticking around me will get you killed long before your intended time. I have powerful enemies and last night in Fienser I seriously undermined one of them."

Kuval watched the city unfold in the light as the gate finished opening. It was very different then from where he was from. The feelings of life around him were...almost of a different wavelength. He could not put his finger on it, whatever it was. He shook his head and then quirked a brow at the elven woman.

"I think we should stick together, regardless of your enemies. Better to have someone watch your back then to go at it alone, especially if your enemies are powerful. I can be of some help. And you and I are both after the same thing...because if that dragon has the artifact, then you'll have to kill him to get it."

Shrugging at the response she said "Im not entirely sure taking the artifact from the dragon if he has it is a good thing. Its much safer in the hands of a tyrant that believes it beneath him to use it." she said in a flat tone. Her mind began to wander over the subject once more as it did on her trip to the city. Just what game was the council playing? She got the feeling she was being used. She should just walk away now and let them stew in the stench they were kicking up.

Knowing full well that there was something wrong here she smiled grimly and continued forward. She didn't trust this at all and if it could be helped, she wouldn't let the artifact fall into the hands of another madmen. If she had to lie and say that the artifact had been destroyed by the dragons breath then she would. But whatever the case, that didn't mean that she had to fight a dragon to do it. The truth was simply that her people wanted her dead. Easy to understand if not nearly unnerving.

Tucking her personal thoughts away in a mental compartment she let her dark blue and gold flecked eyes wander over the gates to the inner city as they arrived. It had been a good half hours walk using the roads and during that time people had continued to start up their days, from what appeared to be shop owners and merchants, to Fancies that called after her current companion. Letting all the sights and sounds wash over her and storing them all away for later, she moved to the gate and waited for it to open.

Kuval walked with the elven woman, allowing his senses to catch details here and there. He wondered just what he wold find in this town. More wizards? Other people looking for the same as he? Ellifain said that she was here to talk to the Queen. Could the Queen help Kuval too? he didn't know, but he sure would love to find out.

Looking over, he smiled at his companion. "Do you like to travel, Miss Ellifain?"

Smirking at the young man's question she nodded. "I like travel to an extent. Being sent on a quest that will more than likely get me killed isnt how i planned to see the world, however." Casually brushing her hair off of her shoulders she looked around slightly unsettled. Everything appeared normal, or as normal as she had come to understand humans and their works, so she couldn't place why she was ill at ease suddenly. Her eyebrows furrowing, she shoved the thought roughly aside and glanced over at her companion. "What about you? And why we are dwelling on such matters, why choose wizardry specifically?"

Her strides slowed greatly as they passed under the inner gate and strove to fishtail their way though and around throngs of people, mostly what seemed like higher class people and servants. Ellifain shook her head at the thought of serving anyone other than herself. She was born free and wouldn't be looked down upon because she offered her services to another. Humans seemed to do that. She honestly wondered what half of the people around her would do if their workers just up and left and they couldn't rehire any in their places. She'd imagine most would think it the end of the world as it were.

A faint chuckle passed her lips at the though as she waited on a reply Kusval.

Kuval shakes his head, blood red locks swaying. "I've never really travelled away from home. Not since I moved in with my master to learn the arts from him. I..." he hesitates and then sighs. "It's a long story that involves my father, money and my master. Point is, I started learning the arts when I was 7." He shrugs. "It's the way life goes."

Before Dinu could get further along the path, dextrous fingers wrapped around his arm, and he turned to see Mino-wa looking at him.'Look, I’ve been on my own for a very long time and I’m not good at communicating with people.'Her face contorted with horror as she barely said the next part of her sentence.I’m… I am… I… well… you see… I’m sorry.' she said truthfully, then spun on her heel, letting go of his arm almost as quickly as she grasped it.'Maybe we could start over?

Dinu smiled, and nodded, aware she could not see his small gesture.'I'd like that very much, Mino-wa'

“We should get going,” Mino-wa said looking at the sky. “We have a long walk a head of us and I’m sure whatever’s happening over at the smoke is over and done with,” She told him as she started once more on their path. Mino-wa was determined not to think about what she had just done. Making friend was never an aspiration of hers but it seem that it has become a requirement for continuing on with this quest. I can be friendly, she thought to herself.

As they continued forward and weaved through the thickening throngs, she kept her eyes and ears pealed. Something was still unsettling her. Like a nagging sense that there was something in front of her that she just wasn't seeing. Sure, she was getting gawked at by almost every male within sight, but they usually kept moving. Muttering to herself while she tried to place the feeling she said, "What is it with humans and elves?"

She was finally forced to push the situation from her mind once more as they drew near a seemingly well to do tavern. Looking over at Kusval to better read him, she paused just outside the door. "I'm sorry." she said in complete honesty after a moments silence. She could well hazard a guess as to what areas the man's tale passed and none of them were very pretty. She could see his reason for hesitation.

Motioning him towards the tavern door on a sudden impulse to have a seat and a meal, she entered and looked around the still vacant room save one patron slumped in a cup close to the bar. Walking over to a table in the far right hand corner, she pulled the chair closest to the back wall out and positioned it in the corner then sat down. From here she could keep an eye out on the room and would be able to observe the comings and goings which shouldn't be too heavy considering the early hour.

As she sat she nodded to her companion and started speaking more to fill the need to offer something of herself in return for the information she had been given. "I am familiar with raw deals." she said calmly. "I have spent most of my life being shunned by my own people. In fact, the only reason I am here at this moment is because I made a pass at someone I shouldn't have." Waving the serving woman over, she made a request for a light ale then waited as it was brought to her.

Looking down into her cup she smirked to herself. "Truth be offered, I don't really care about the dragon. I just want to belt the smiles and smirks off of my people's faces by returning in good health." Shrugging at the over simplified statement, she figured that to be the best way to express it. She didn't need anyone's approval nor did she seek it. While her people generally weren't openly hostile, they did have a way of making their opinions of you known in a sickeningly polite and deathly sweet manner. She preferred the open hostilities of the younger elves as opposed to the older ones that seemed to take immense satisfaction in playing word games and appearing to be polite on the surface.

Taking a swallow of her drink she nodded and settled in waiting for the morning meal to be cooked.

"They expect you to fail..." Kuval says calmly. He chuckles as he sits with her, ordering a simple glass of wine. "They expect me to do the same. Once I die, the magics that I left behind guarding my and my master's study will be broken and the rival wizards and warlocks can get at his collection of things." He thanks the waitress and sips his wine. "It's why I came to Faust alone. No one wanted to come. No one believed it would be possible." He shakes his head. "But it is. I know it is. I think someone betrayed or failed my master, or he would not have died. Something went wrong on his trip. Something he did not forsee." Kuval looked over at the woman suddenly and then tilted his head.

"Do I surprise you? You seemed...perturbed earlier at the other citizens of this city...yet are not so with me."

She tilted her head while considering his inquiry. After a moment she nodded curtly. "Yes." She said looking him in the eyes. "From what I have seen of wizards of your race, you seem neither hungry for power or bend on control." Lifting her ale to her lips once more she took a large swallow watching him from the side of her cup. Setting it down she slid it to her left to clear the space between them.

"It is common knowledge that human wizards often reach heights that their elven counterparts rarely do. Human's tend to pursue things until their pinacle where as my people follow their passions. Elves constantly change over the course of their lives. Who I am now will most likely not be the same woman you meet in a hundred years if you manage to live that long. In fact there is a good chance that there will be no trace of the being I am now at all come that time."

Letting the concept sink in she then continued. "Because of our long lives and the fact that my race tends to outlive the other races that we can commune with, my people strive to live for the here and now. Humans seem to strive for what they can achieve. Perhaps it is to leave their mark upon this world or to create a sense that they have done something with the little time they have." Looking pointedly at him she continued, "But you do not. Wheither because of your recent loss or from something experienced in years past, I cannot tell. You seem to live for the here and now. And that, in a human, truly does surprise me. I have met many of your kind that take pleasure in the simple day to day things much like we do, but they did not live in the moment."

Leaning back in her chair and using the moment to look the room over once more she said "I have no fault or quarrel with humans. You have but limited time on this plane before you are called to the next. So I can understand one's haste to make headway. However there are certain qualities that I find in your race more often than in my own. Qualities that I don't agree with. That is why I seem off set when around large crowds of humans."

Kuval nods. "My master once told me that if you have nothing left to smile about, then you have nothing left to live for. He taught me that while gaining power and setting a goal is good, the journey, the process is important too." Kuval takes a sip of his wine. "If you forget how you got there, the good and the bad, you forget who you are. You say you change over the years. Perhaps. I think that you may change, but your core you will still be there, and if I am fated to live another hundred years, then perhaps we can see if you prove me wrong or right." He chuckles a raises a toast. "To proving points." He smiles wide and takes a long drink.

Nodding and raising her tankard she says "To proving points." Taking a the final draft of her ale she set the cup down and began spinning it in between her fingers while she waited on a meal that had most likely been forgotten by the cook.

Watching the cup as it danced on edged between her fingers she let the moment lapse into silence.

Dinu nodded to himself, and walked forwards along the path, accepting that the trouble was most likely over and done with. Thes smoke above the trees was clearing slightly, and Dinu could even hear cheering. Birds soared out of the trees, the fox from before sprinted past. Grave bounded out of the tres and barked once before taking his place beside Mino-wa. Something was changng.'Hold on,' Dinu said quietly, 'how did that fire start?'Almost as if to confirm his hypothesis, a blur of rusted red and creamed yellow blasted through the air towards Faust. It covered the distance almost immediately.'We have too hurry,' Dinu said quickly, running down the road as fast as he could.

Running along side Dinu, into what she could only assume to be straight into trouble, she chanted to herself. I can be nice. I can be nice. I can be nice. Over and over again. This is not going to end well.

As the two ran towards the human capital, the young queen of this age, Sylvia Fortrend, sat upon her throne, unaware of what was approaching her kingdom. Though young, her wisdom was known throughout the land. She was fair, believing all had a right to something. Farmers wanted more land, soldiers wanted more money, and Sylvia seemed to have a way to either give them what they needed, or to make them stop talking. She had ebony black hair, adorned with small opals from the Montalemian ountians, with bright green eyes and alabastor skin. She wore robes, but her old princess one, trimmed with pink. She complained the queen's robes made her "feel old".

'Of course, we'll investigate, my friend,' she said to the peasant, and he left, smiling to himself. Sylvia turned to her guard and nodded. Quickly, he left, intent on investigating the lake and why tthe ducks were no longer there.'Milady!' a voice rang through the throne room, and the commander of the guard marched in, 'Olduiin has been sighted. He is approaching as we-'He was cut off as a gutteral roar was heard from outide. Sylvia looked out the window, and saw Olduiin, red and nightmarish, attacking her people. INNI|OCENT people.

'I want everyone evacuated or underground excet those who can fight. Anyone who can fire a bow or swing a sword'As she said this, she took her family' blade from a glass case.'What are you waiting for, go!'

She was out of her seat and halfway to the door before he had finished his sentence. Her hands moving in a flurry of motion, she drew the two long swords hanging from her waist and wished to the Gods that she had a bow. Her bow. Growling low as she fled the tavern, she was greeted by the sight of people milling about in confusion.

Just then a tripe of city guards came rushing through the streets in near perfect formation, the lead bellowing for everyone to clear a path and make for the evacuation points or the underground entrances. She spared them no further glance as her eyes began scanning the skies. It wouldn't do well to be caught in the open, but being caught inside a burning building or a wooden perch was even worst.

Her mind ran over various scenarios and she spared a glance over to see her companion, calm as a still pond, gazing at the skies as well. "If his first pass is with breath, we should stick to the alleys and building edges. Buildings may burn but they do offer shelter against direct flames." Then she recalled the barrels of oil on each roof and swore to herself. This would not end well by any means. Unless the Fate's intervened, this city was going to burn....

He followed her inside. "I need just a minute." He chalked a quick circle on the ground in the alley, added some markings, bit his thumb for some blood and smeared the circle. He then began to chant, his eyes lidded as the magic began to swirl.

Olduiin unleashed a fiery chain upon the town square, instantly incinerating countless men, women and children. Arrows began to fly, but they bounced pitifully off his angry, red scaled. He powerfully pushed the air around him, and soared at the bell tower. With great care, he perched atop the ancient building, and filled the city with his ominous laughter. It rang through every ear for miles, shattering the hearts of brave men as he started to speak.'Tremble, mortals,' his voice boomed through the architecture, 'and despair. Death itself has come to extinguish the flame that is your life'

He laughed once more, more amused then anything, and leapt off the tower, spiralling downwards towards the ground, then quickly pulling out of his dive, crushing a stall with his spiked tail. The screams made him relish the destruction, made him wsh it could last forever. He wanted their jewels. He wanted their gold. He wanted the crown.---------------Sylvia was undeterred. Her city was dying and this gigantic red lizard was going to pay. She climbed the stairs as the guards descended, the rattling of armour clanging off the stone walls. Her sword was still in her hand, encrusted with jewels in the hilt. She needed to loose the weapon atop the castle. Thankfully, Olduiin didn't know about yet.She reached the top, and saw the great dragon flying towards her home. She gritted her teeth, ran towards the large metal contruct on her roof, and plunged her sword into the rope. With one swift movement, the metal flung towards Olduiin, spinning too fast to see.---------------It smashed into Olduiin, and he fell onto the ground, squashing several horses and the stable. This was not good for his dignity.'Little blight actually hurt me,' he spat, before sending a jet of fire down the street, incinerating several guards taking formation.

Running straight into the city of Faust, with Gave at her heels and Dinu at her side, she stopped at the sight of the massive dragon in a death match with someone she could not see. Turning to face, “What’s the plan?” Seeing that Dinu had no intention of waiting to discus a plan, her final words before running off were, “rush to our death it is then.”

Mino-wa pulled out the sword, a sword the she had swore never to use, that was strapped to her back and continued her charge towards death its self. She went directly to its wings because if it can’t fly it might not be so hard to kill. Right?

She waited, watching the action in the sky take place before the dragon crashed not two full blocks from her. "Kusval!" she shouted, hoping that whatever he was doing would be enough to at least keep them alive. "You're out of time!" she said as she watched several guards get incenerated and whirled the blades in her hands. She could stand here waiting for whatever the wizard was doing, or she could hope it would be of use and buy him some time.

She had no idea just what he was up to and prayed that if it cost her her life to buy a little time for the man, that it wasn't something useless. "Into the void we charge." she said grimly and rushed forward quickly clearing the two block gap between them. The dragon had just started to right itself when she flew past, her left sword blazing a trail down its tail. Her only reward being the sounds of metal scraping something equally as tough. "Shit!" she swore as she spun around to face her target and most likely her death. "Well at least I'll make him remember me." she said in the same grim tone, her face a hardened mask, her eyes resembling those of a feral beast eager for the fight to be joined.

She quickly looked the dragon over. Her first thought was wheither or not she could slip her blades beneath his scales and to the flesh underneath. With no better plan, she charged in once more.

Kuval finished chanting as she rushed forward. A wave of his hands and he struck the circle with his staff. The wind began to pick up...and then it began to howl. Winds from each direction began to come together, twisting, coalescing. A boom of thunder and a howl that almost rivaled the dragon...and the Air Elemental formed. Not the full size of a dragon, but getting close, the Elemental howled once more before looking down at Kuval, who was on his knees after releasing so much power.

"Get...the dragon..." he panted. "Stop him..." The elemental nodded it's cloudy head before turning and flying off toward the fight, the sound of a storm booming through the city preceding it.

Dinu heard Mino-wa, but it fell upon deaf ears as he sprinted up the cobblestone path, the sounds of blazing flame and pained screaming egging him forward to the fight. He had never fought anything or anyone before, and now his mettle would be tested against the foe he was journeying to defeat. Could this be where Gavinrad's memory was protected? Or would this be the day Faust fell to the burning beast in the sky.Olduiin fell onto the city as a giant piece of metal whacked him in the face, and Dinu felt a small smile etch itself onto his youthful face. Olduiin could be hurt.'Come on, Mino-wa. We have to help the city as best we can'-----------------------Sylvia walked down the masoned stairs leading outside her castle. In her vision was the town guard, and many volunteers, battling Olduiin with a fire that drove them unlike any she had ever seen. These were her people, she thought, and she'd be there with them. Bleed with them. Die with them. As soon as she made the move to walk further, the captain stopped her.'I cannot allow you to aid in this battle, milady. If you die, Mrtyu's hope dies with you. I ask you to remain in the castle'Sylvia teemed with disappointment, but she knew he had a point. Sylvia was a large advocate for the movement against Olduiin. Maybe he was here to silence the largest voice in the land.'Be sure to destroy that beast as inhumanely as possible,' Sylvia commanded, and the guard nodded, watching as she returned up the stairs, the screams behind her haunting her every step.-----------------------Olduiin slammed his clawed hand down into the ground, cracking the very foundations of the buildings around him, and crushing an unfortunate guard who was not fast enough to move in time. As he smiled with the blood and sinew seeping around his fingers, a sword scraped down the side of his body, sparking at his scales. He heard a human curseword, but it came from a mouth that radiated purity unlike any human he had killed.Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted an elven lady, and he smiled.'Come now, my lady,' he said in a voice that dripped with condecension, 'you know as well as I that that would never have worked. So...'Olduiin raised his tail to swipe the woman, just as he heard a storm echo through the already damaged walls. This final push made the large structures begin to give way, and Olduiin knew even he could not survive being buried under debris.'Until we meet again, my lady,' Olduiin said, almost politely, before beginning to take off as he felt a sword puncture his naked wing. Olduiin roared in pain, and hurled a bolt of fire towards the elemental approaching. He pushed off the ground, the ground being covered with sprinklings of his evil blood, before he soared to the skies, ready for his second plan.With one quick motion, Olduiin knocked the bell tower with his wing, easily cutting through it like butter. The stone began to fall to the ground below.